Vertically moveable stage and guard rail means



w. ALTIER 3,399

VERTICALLY MQVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS Sept. 3, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 17, 1966 gaamusnh-mmm. v

INVENTQR.

A I r e r William Sept. 3, 1968 w. ALTIER 3,39,887

VERTICALLY MOVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS Filed Jan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 lLlI INVENTOR.

William Alfier BY Sept. 3, 1968 w. ALTIER 3,399,887

VERTICALLY MOVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS Filed Jan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 'Sept. 3, 1968 w. ALTIER 3,399,887

VERTICALLY MOVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS Filed Jan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 85 88 INVENTOR.

William Alrier B Torney H I Sept. 3, 1968 w. ALTIER 3,399,887

VERTICALLY MOVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS Filed Jan. 17, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. WIHICIm Ahler Patented Sept. 3, 1968 3,399,887 VERTICALLY MOVEABLE STAGE AND GUARD RAIL MEANS William Altier, Summit, Ill., assignor to Summit Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Inc., Summit, L, a corporation of Illinois Filed Jan. 17, 1966, Ser. No. 521,097 Claims. (Cl. 27222) This invention relates to building structures particularly suitable for presenting theatrical or other performances as well as being readily convertible for other uses and more specifically to a new and improved building structure incorporating a disappearing stage assembly capable of accommodating and one of a plurality of different scenery settings and which is capable of being quickly converted to a dance floor with a minimum of effort.

In the ordinary production of drama, comedy and the like in the theater, the action takes place on or in a number of stage settings, each of which is set up or assembled I on the stage at each performance. Heretofore, it has been the custom to construct a theater with a stage which is adapted to accommodate only one set of scenery at a time. It is usually necessary to dissassem'ble and store each entire setting after being used and then assemble another complete setting on the stage. The curtain is generally lowered and/ or the stage is darkened while the scene shifting is taking place. The taking down of one scene and moving it off the stage and then assembling another scene thereon results in an interruption in the performance. As the mechanics of scene changing requires the dropping of the curtain for a prolonged period in which the stage is kept in darkness, a considerable interval of time is consumed and the continuity of the action before the audience is to a large extent lost. Such interruptions in the performance are highly disturbing and generally abhorred by the audience. It is, therefore, one of the primary objectives of the present invention to substantially obviate the various difficulties noted above encountered in the production of theatrical performances by providing a stage assembly capable of accommodating any one of a plurality of preassemble-d or arranged stage settings and which are so arranged and interrelated with a movable stage assembly that any stage setting may be placed before the audience, moved out of view of the audience and another pre 'assembled stage setting quickly brought into view, the entire scenery change being accomplished in a relatively short period of time and with a minimum number of stage hands.

A more specific object is to provide a stage assembly which is vertically movable quickly into and out of the vision of the audience and wherein a plurality of separate preassembled stage setting platforms are selectively movable onto the stage assemb'ly when concealed from the audience.

Another object is to provide a track system including track means on the stage assembly on which a number of separate stage setting platforms may be moved individually and rapidly into cooperative relation with the stage assembly to substantially reduce the time required for making scenery changes and to thereby substantially reduce the possibility of interrupting the continuity of the performance action before the audience.

A still further object is to provide a stage assembly for a theater structure of the type commonly known as a theater-in-the-round wherein the audience is seated entirely around the stage area which stage assembly is readily convertible to a floor particularly suitable for ballroom or social idancing by the audience when not in use for presenting theatrical performances.

The foregoing and other important objects and desireable features inherent in and encompassed by the invention, together with many of the purposes and uses thereof, will become readily apparent from a reading of the ensuing description in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a theater structure embodying the invention with parts broken away to better illustrate the invention, and showing one stage setting in place on the stage assembly and in the view of the audience and another stage setting disassociated from the stage assembly and concealed from audience;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 1 with the exception that the stage assembly and both stage settings are in their lowered positions and hidden from the audience;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the stage assembly converted for use as a dance floor or the like;

FIGURE 4 is a partial vertical sectional view through the stage assembly, the stage settings and the stage assembly actuating-mechanism; the stage assembly is illustrated in its elevated position and is visible to the audience;

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 55 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view takensubstantially along line 66 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmenta1y perspective view of the stage assembly in its lowered position;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 with the exception that the stage assembly is shown in its lowered position;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 1010 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 11 is also a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 11--11 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary perspective view partially in section, of a portion of the stage assembly;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 1313 of FIGURE 8; and

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged detailed vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 14-14 of FIGURE 13.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements throughout the various views, the building structure embodying the invention is designated generally by reference character 10. While the structure disclosed herein is to be described in 'detail hereinafter in specific relationship to theater restaurants or combination playhouse-restaurants of the theater-in-the-round type, the description is exemplary of the manner in which the structure may find utility in other environments such as television and radio broadcasting studios and the like. It is to be understood therefore that unless specifically limited to a theater restaurant, the claims appended hereto are applicable to all types of structures capable of being used to present artistic or theatrical programs or to provide a place for social dancing which involve the use of a stage or the like. While the building structure 10 is not shown in its entirety since the overall shape and size thereof is immaterial as far as the invention is concerned, the main part of the building structure 10 for providing seating accommodations for the audience and for housing the main stage and stage settings and other scenery props is generally circular in plan. The main entrance lobby or foyer, ticket office, kitchen and other areas are not shown. The main floor, which is designated generally by reference character 11, is provided with a central, substantially square opening 12 therethrough. The main floor 11 provides the support for the audience seating accommodations. It is to be understood that the seats are arranged Q) in such a manner that the audience generally encircles the opening 12. As shown in FIGURE 1, the accommodations for the audience include tables as well as chairs and such tables and chairs may be arranged in generally circular tiers or rows around the opening 12 in the main floor 11.

The building structure is constructed with a floor 13, vertical spaced below the main floor 11. The lower floor 13 is provided with a generally square pit 14 which is in vertical registration with the floor opening 12. The pit 14- is partially defined by a pair of spaced and parallel, vertical side walls 15, 16 and a pair of spaced and parallel, vertical side walls 17 and 13 disposed at right angles to the walls and 16. The bottom of the pit 14 is defined by a floor 19. Each of the vertical pit side walls 17 and 18 is provided with three vertically extending recesses 20, 21, and 22, the recess 21 being spaced substantially midway between the vertical walls 15 and 16 while the recess is adjacent to the wall 15 and the recess 22 is adjacent the wall 16. The purpose of the recesses 20, 21, 22 will be pointed out hereinafter.

The stage assembly, which is designated in its entirety by reference character 23, is susbtantially square in configuration when viewed in plan. The stage assembly 23 is preferably fabricated from wooden and steel structural members and is provided with a hardwood top wood surface layer 24. The stage assembly 23 is also provided with facing boards 25 which depend from the four edges of the stage assembly top surface 24.

The stage assembly 23 is capable of being moved vertically between a position wherein the top surface layer 24 lies substantially in the same horizontal plane of the main floor 11 portion encircling the opening 12, illustrated in FIGURE 4, and a position wherein the top surface layer 24 lies substantially in the same horizontal plane of the lower floor 13, as shown in FIGURE 8. The elevating and lowering means, designated generally by reference character 26 and shown somewhat diagrammatically, for moving the stage assembly 23 vertically includes four vertically disposed, horizontally spaced hydraulic rams 27. One end of each ram 27 is suitably connected to the underside of the stage assembly 23 while the other end thereof is disposed in a respective cylinder or well 28 formed below the level of the floor 19 of the pit 14. Suitable conduits are provided for conducting hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic pump (not shown) to each of the cylinders 28 simultaneously to elevate the stage assembly 23. Conventional control means (not shown) are provided for selectively supplying the cylinders 28 with fluid under pressure to elevate the stage assembly 23, or alternatively, permitting the hydraulic fluid in the cylinders 28 to exhaust to a sump or reservoir or the like. Obviously, once the cylinders 28 are in fluid communication with the sump and the stage assembly 23 is in its elevated position, it will immediately commence to move vertically downwardly under its own weight. It is to be understood that any other well known hydraulic mechanisms and controls therefore could be employed to raise and lower the stage assembly 23 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. When the stage assembly 23 is in use, it occupies the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 4 and when it is being set preparatory to a performance, it is lowered to the position shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 4. In its last mentioned position it is then on a level with the lower floor 13 of work, storage and dressing rooms 29, partially shown, which rooms surround the pit 14. Although not shown, it is to be understood that suitable level control means are provided for controlling the operation of the hydraulic pump and the supply and exhaust of fluid pressure to and from the lifting ram cylinders 23 whereby the uppermost and lowermost positions of the stage assembly 23 are actuated and automatically established and to thereby correctly dispose the top surface 24 so that it is level or flush with either the main floor 11 or the lower floor 13 at the limits of the upward and downward movements of the stage assembly 23. The level control means may include electric switch means and electric circuits for controlling energization of the pump motor (not shown).

Extending vertically between the main floor 11 and the lower floor 13 are a pair of spaced and parallel walls 30, 31, each of which is in vertical alignment with a respective side wall 17, 18. The walls 30, 31, like the pit side walls 17, 18 are also each provided with three spaced recesses 32, 33 and 34. Each recess 32 is in vertical alignment with a respective recess 21 and is, in effect, an extension thereof. In the same manner, each recess 33 is in vertical alignment with a respective recess 20 and each recess 34 is in vertical alignment with a respective recess 22. A second pair of spaced and parallel vertical walls 35, 36 disposed perpendicular to the walls 30, 31 also extend from the main floor 11 and the lower floor 13. However, such walls 35, 36 are not in vertical alignment with the pit walls 15, 16 but rather are offset therefrom, as clearly illustrated in FIGURE 4. Each of the vertical walls 35, 36 is provided with a relatively large opening therethrough, each opening having a width substantially equal to the linear distance between the vertical walls and 31. The opening in each of the vertical walls 35, 36 is capable of being closed by means of horizontally slidable fire doors, designated generally by reference character 37.

As stated hereinbefore, in the ordinary production of drama, comedy and the like in a theater, the action takes place before the audience on or in a number of stage settings, each of which, heretofore, is set up or assembled on the stage in a particular sequence and is also disassembled and removed from the stage at each perform ance. It was also pointed out herebefore that one of the prime objectives of the present invention is to substantially reduce the time required for readying the stage for each act by employing preassembled complete stage settings so arranged and interrelated that any stage setting may be placed before the audience and moved out of view of the audience and another stage setting quickly placed before the audience. Accordingly, the invention contemplates two stage settings, designated generally by reference characters 38 and 39, respectively. Each of the stage settings 38, 39 is constructed in exactly the same manner as the other stage setting 38, 39 and includes a wooden subfloor 40 having a hardwood finished floor 41 secured thereto. The finished floor 41 has substantially the same configuration in plan as the stage assembly top surface 24 and is preferably covered with a fabric such as carpeting 42. Attached to the underside of each subfloor 40 are three spaced and parallel stringers 43, one of which is spaced midway between two parallel side edges of the finished floor 41 with each of the other two stringers 43 being adjacent to a respective one of said two parallel side edges. Each stringer 43 includes a pair of spaced and parallel, substantially U-shaped channel members 44. Suitably attached to the lowermost flanges of the channel members 44 of each stringer 43 are a plurality of spaced and parallel relatively short shafts 45. A roller or wheel 46 is rotatably mounted on each of the shafts and is disposed between the channel webs 47 of a respective stringer 43, as best shown in FIGURE 6. Depending from and secured to the edges of the finished floor 41 are facing boards 48, the outer surfaces of which are also carpeted. The facing boards 48 substantially conceal the rollers 46 and stringers 43 of the stage settings 38, 39. Each of the stage settings 38, 39 is selectively positionable on the stage assembly 23 and brought in view of the audience or positionable off the stage assembly 23 and stored in the rooms 29 adjacent the openings in the walls 35 and 36 and below the main floor 11. It is to be understood that additional stringers 43 provided with rollers 46 could be provided for affording additional support strength for floors 41 5. of the stage settings 38, 39 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As best illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7, the lower floor 13 adjacent each opening in the vertical walls 35, 36 has an elongated guide track 49 fixedly secured thereto. Each guide track 49 has a length somewhat longer than the comparable dimension of the stage settings 38, 39 and includes a pair of spaced and parallel strips 50. The guide tracks 49 are in alignment and are spaced substantially midway between the vertical walls 30, 31 and each guide track 49 is cooperable with the centrally located support rollers 46 of each stage setting 38, 39 to correctly position such stage setting 38, 39 as it is being moved horizontally to and from the stage assembly 23. As best illustrated in FIGURE 6, the parallel strip 50 of each guide track 49 is spaced a distance slightly greater than the axial thickness of the centrally located rollers 46. Consequently, with the rollers 46 confined by the guide strips 50, the stage settings 38, 39 are constrained to roll or glide horizontally in straight lines to and from the stage assembly 23. It will also be noted that the inner end surfaces 51 of the strips 50 adjacent the openings in the vertical walls 35, 36 is flared outwardly to facilitate engagement of the rollers 46 with the tracks 49 as they approach a respective guide track 49 when the stage settings 38 and 39 are being moved horizontally off the stage assembly 23 to the storage rooms 29. Referring to FIGURE 7, it will be noted that the top surface 24 of the stage assembly 23 is also provided with an elongated guide track 52 which extends substantially from one edge of the top surface 24 to the opposite edge which is spaced and parallel with respect thereto. When the stage assembly 23 is in its lowered position with the top surface 24 substantially at the same level as the lower floor 13, the guide track 52 is substantially in horizontal and longitudinal alignment with the guide track 49, as illustrated in FIGURE 7. The guide track 52 is constructed in substantially the same manner as the guide tracks 49 except that the spaced and parallel guide strips 53 thereof are not fixedly attached to the top surface 24 of the stage assembly 23 but rather are removably connected thereto. Each guide strip 53 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced pins 54, each of which has one end fixedly connected to a respective guide strip 53. The pins 54 of each guide strip 53 depend from the underside thereof and each pin is adapted to be inserted into a respective recess 55 of a plurality of recesses 55 formed in the top surface 24 of the stage assembly 23. It will be appreciated that the pin and recess connections between the stage assembly and the guide strips 53 permits the guide track 52 to be easily and quickly assembled on the top surface 24 or removed therefrom. The significance of this feature of the invention will be apparent hereinafter. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that with the guide track 52 in place on the top surface 24 and the stage assembly 23 in its lowered position, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, the stage settings 38 and 39 may be selectively and individually moved onto or off of the stage assembly 23 quickly and easily in a guided fashion.

A pair of combination electrical i terlock and mechanical lock means, designated generally by reference character 56, are provided. The combination electrical interlock and mechanical lock means 56 serve to releas'ably secure either one of the stage settings 38 or 39 correctly in place on the stage assembly 23 and to prevent inadvertant shifting of the stage setting and to simultaneously condition a part of the electrical circuit means of the control apparatus for the elevating and lowering means 26. Each combination electrical interlock and mechanical lock means 56 includes a pin 57 having an elongated shank portion 58 provided with an enlarged head 59 on one end thereof. Each stage setting 38 and 39 has a pair of vertically disposed, horizontally spaced sleeves 60 suitably secured thereto, each of which has one end of the bore thereof opening into vertically aligned openings formed respectively through the sub floor 40, finished floor 41 and the carpeting 42. The bore of each sleeve 60 and the openings through the sub floor 40, finished floor 41 and the carpeting associated therewith are vertically registerable with the bore of a respective one of a pair of vertical sleeves 61 rigidly secured to the stage assembly 23 when the stage settings 38 and 39 are correctly centered on the stage assembly 23. The shank portion 58 of -each pin 57 is of a sufficient length that it extends from the uppermost ends of the sleeves 60 to a point vertically spaced below the lowermost ends of the sleeves 61 and has a diameter of a size such that it slidingly engages the bores of the sleeves 60 and 61 with very little play. From the foregoing, it is believed the manner in which the combination electrical interlock and mechanical lock means 56 operate is clear. Assuming that it is desired to assembly the stage setting 39 on the stage assembly 23, the stage assembly 23 is lowered to its concealed position, as shown in FIGURE 2, wherein it is level with the lower floor 13. The stage setting 39 is then pushed horizontally onto the stage assembly 23 until the sleeves 60 thereof are in registration with the sleeves 61 of the stage assembly 23. Thereafter, the shank portion 58 of each of a pair of pins 57 is inserted through a respective pair of vertically aligned sleeves 60, 61. The enlarged head 59 of each pin 57 is disposed in a respective vertically aligned opening formed through the sub floor 40, finished floor 41 and carpeting 42 and is substantially flush with the carpeting 42 when the pin 57 is in its fully locking position. It will also be noted that when the pins are in their fully locking position the lowermost tips thereof engage and depress the plungers or actuators 62 of a pair of electrical switches 63 fixed into the stage assembly to close them in an electrical sense. While the electrical circuit means in which the switches are disposed is not shown it is to be understood that the switches 63 are a part of the electrical circuit means of the control apparatus for the elevating and lowering means 26. The plunger 62 of the switches 63 must be depressed before the elevating and lowering means 26 can be operated to raise and lower the stage assembly 23. In order to permit raising and lowering of the stage assembly 23 when neither stage assembly 38, 39 is disposed thereon, a second pair of pins are provided which are of a shorter length than the pins 57, When the short pins are in place, the heads 64 thereof are substantially finish with the top surface 24 and lower ends of the shank portions (which extend through the sleeves 61) engage and depress the plungers 62.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that during any presen ation of theatrical or other performances, the stage assembly 23 is lowered from its elevated position, shown in FIGURE 1 and elevated from its lowered position, shown in FIGURE 2, to its elevated position numerous times. It is equally evident that whenever the stage assembly 23 is in any position but at its fully elevated position wherein the top surface 24 thereof is substantially on the same level as the main floor 11 portion encircling the opening 12 therethrough a potentially dangerous condition exists. With the stage assembly 23 in its fully elevated position, the floor opening 12 is substantially closed. However, with the stage assembly 23 disposed at all other levels, the floor opening 12 could be a hazard since spectators as well as employees of the theater could inadvertently step over the edge of the floor opening 12 and fall from the main floor 11 and possibly injure themselves seriously. To prevent such eventualities from occurring, the present invention contemplates the provision of an automatically operable guard rail frame designed generally by reference character 65. The guard rail frame 65 is fabricated out of aluminum structural members (not shown) sheathed with plywood panels or the like to form four vertically disposed walls 66, 67 which are arranged to have a square configuration when viewed in plan. The top marginal edge of the guard rail frame 65 is defined by a hardwood cap 68. The vertical walls 66, 67 are movable vertically in the space between the edge surfaces of the floor 11 defining the floor opening 12 and the facing boards of the stage assembly 23 and are of a thickness to substantially fill such space, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. The guard rail frame is movable vertically between a lowered position, as shown in FIGURE 4, and an elevated position, as shown in FIGURE 8. With the exception of the cap 68, when the guard rail frame 65 is in its lowered position, it is disposed entirely below the level of the main floor 11 and completely out of view of the audience. The cap 68 substantially c-loses or bridges the space between the main floor 11 and the outermost edge of the stage assembly 23. When the guard rail frame 65 is in its elevated position, it provides a waist high barrier completely around the floor opening 12 to thus prevent anyone from accidently stepping over the edge of the floor opening 12 and falling thereinto.

As stated hereinbefore, raising and lowering of the guard rail frame 65 is accomplished automatically in the present invention and such movement is related to the positioning of the stage assembly 23. Thus, the guard rail frame 65 will be in its elevated position whenever the stage assembly 23 is in its lowered position and will be in its lowered position whenever the stage assembly 23 is in its elevated position. The structure for automatically raising and lowering the guard rail frame 65 in accordance with the positioning of the stage assembly 23 includes four triangularly shaped frames 69 fabricated from angle iron members or the like. Two of the frames 69 are rigidly fastened to one of the guide rail frame walls 67 and the other two frames 69 are similarly fastened to the other spaced and parallel wall 67. The frames 69 depend below the lower edges of the walls 67 and each frame 69 is adjacent to a respective corner of the guide rail frame 65. As best illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14, a triangularly shaped plate 70 is rigidly secured as by welding or the like to the lower apex of each of the frames 69. Each plate 70 rotatably carries a roller guide shoe 71, the purpose of which will be pointed out presently.

Referring specifically to FIGURES 5 and 8, it will be notedthat a sprocket and sheave support frame 72 is rigidly mounted in each of the recesses 20 and 22 and the recesses 33 and 34 in vertical alignment therewith. Each of the support frames 72 include a pair of horizontally spaced, vertically extending, substantially U-shaped channel members 73 having their upper ends interconnected by a pair of parallel plates 74 and their lower ends similarly interconnected by means including a crossmember 75. As best shown in FIGURES 13 and 14, one flange 76 of a respective one of the two channel members 73 of each support frame 72 serves as a guide or track for a respective one of the roller guide shoes 71. The roller guide shoes 71 are each provided with a peripheral groove for receiving a respective flange 76. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the interaction and operative connections between the four roller guide shoes 71 and the four flanges afford horizontal stability to the guard rail frame 65 and constrain the same to move vertically smoothly without undue friction between the relatively movable parts.

The structure for automatically raising and lowering the guard rail frame 65 in accordance with the positioning of the stage assembly 23 further includes a pair of counterweight and rail assemblies, designated generally by reference character 77. Each assembly 77 is mounted within a respective pair of vertically aligned recesses 21 and 32 and includes a generally rectangular frame 78. Each frame 78 includes a pair of horizontally spaced and parallel, vertically extending T-shaped members 79 rigidly interconnected at their uppermost ends by a pair of generally flat plates 80 and at their lower ends by a pair of horizontally extending crossmembers 81, only one of which is shown in 'FIGURE 8. The vertical T-shaped members 79 are arranged in such a fashion that the center leg or flanges 82 project toward each other and lie substantially in a common vertical plane, as illustarted in FIGURES 9, 10, and 11. The center flanges 82 of the T- shaped members 79 of each assembly 77 serve as track means for guiding vertical movement of a respective one of a pair of counterweight frames 83. Each counterweight frame 83 includes a pair of vertically extending, horizontally spaced and parallel channel members 84 which are arranged in such a fashion that the side flanges 85 project toward each other and the web portions 86 are spaced and parallel with respect to each other. It will be noted that horizontal distance between the web portions 86 of each r' counterweight frame 83 is less than the horizontal distance between the end edges 87 of the center flanges 82 and, consequently, each web portion 86 is horizontally spaced from the end edge 87 of the adjacent center flange 82. The purpose of horizontally spacing the sides of the counterweight frame 83 from the T-shaped members 79 in this manner will be pointed out hereinafter.

The uppermost ends of the channel members 84 are rigidly interconnected by means of a pair of parallel horizontally extending plates 88 which have their ends projecting beyond the web portions 86. As clearly shown in FIG- URE 10, a maple guide block 89 is sandwiched between and suitably secured to each pair of projecting end portions of the plates 88. The guide blocks 89 each have a groove 90 for receiving the center leg or flange 82 of a respective vertical T-shaped member 79. While not shown in detail, it is to be understood that the lower end of the counterweight frame 83 is similarly connected to the vertical T-shaped members 79. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the counterweight frames 83 are capable of sliding vertically with respect to the fixed supporting frames 78. A generally channel shaped member (not shown) is rigidly fastened to the plates extending between the lower ends of the channel member 84 with the web portion thereof, in effect, closing the lower end of the counterweight frame 83.

A plurality of counterweights 90 are stacked one upon the other in the counterweight frame 83 with the lowest one resting upon the web portion of the channel member (not shown) closing the lower end of the counterweight frame 83. As best indicated in FIGURE 11, each end of each counterweight 90 is confined between the side flanges 85 of a respective channel member 84. The opposite ends 91 of a cable hitch, designated generally by reference character 92, are similarly confined by the side flanges 85 of the channel member 84. The cable hitch 92 is disposed above the uppermost one of the counterweights 90 and is capable of sliding vertically with respect to the counterweight frame 83. As best shown in FIGURES 4 and 8, pads 93 of resilient material such as rubber are secured to the uppermost flat surface of the cable hitch 92 which are adapted to abut the underside of a flat plate 94 secured to the lowermost edges of the plates 88 during certain phases of the raising and lowering cycle of operation of the guard rail frame 65 as will be described hereinafter. It will also be noted by observing FIGURE 4 that a pair of rubber pads 95 are secured to the lower cross members 81 which are adapted to cushion the periodic engagement of the lower end of the counterweight frame 83 with the fixed cross members 81 during operation of the apparatus.

The means for opcratively interconnecting the stage assembly 23 and the guard rail frame 65 includes a pair of steel flexible cables 96, each one of which is associated with a respective one of the counterweight frames 83 and, therefore, only the cable 96 On one side of the stage assembly 23 and its connections to the other parts of the apparatus will be described in detail. The cable 96 has each of its ends fastened to a respective one of the frame plates 70, as shown in FIGURE 13. Each pair of. parallel plates 74 at the upper end of the support frames 72 rotatably supports a sheave 97 and a sprocket 98.

Each sheave 97 and the sprocket 98 adjacent thereto are interconnected in such a manner that they rotate in unison. The end portions of the cable 96 extend horizontally and are trained over the sheaves 97 located on one side of the apparatus and each end is attached to a respective one of the plates 70 in the manner pointed out hereinbefore. The center section of the cable 96 is fastened to the cable hitch 92 by any suitable means. As best shown in FIGURE 9, the uppermost plates 80 of the frame 78 are utilized to support a pair of shafts 99, each of which, in turn, rotatably supports a cable sheave 100. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that portions of the cable 96 extend vertically from the cable hitch 92 and each portion is trained over a respective one of the sheaves 100. Thereafter, each cable portion extends horizontally and is trained over a respective one of the sheaves 97 and extends vertically to a respective triangularly shaped plate 70 to which it is attached. Thus, as the guard rail frame 65 moves vertically upwardly, the cable hitches 92 move vertically downwardly in unison therewith and the same distance.

The means for operatively interconnecting the stage assembly 23 and the guard rail frame 65 further includes, a pair of lifting carriages 101, one of which is illustrated in FIGURE 12. The lifting carriages 101 are centrally positioned on respective opposite sides of the stage assembly 23 and each includes a pair of parallel structural members 102, each of which has one end rigidly fastened to the underside of the stage assembly 23 by any suitable means and extends vertically therefrom. Suitable angularly oriented brace means 103 are provided for strengthening the lifting carriage structure. Extending horizontally from the lowermost ends of the vertical members 102 are a pair of parallel lifting arms 104. While not shown in detail, it is to be understood that means are provided whereby the vertical spacing between each pair of lifting arms 104 with respect to the top surface 24 of the stage assembly 23 may be adjusted. The arms 104 of each carriage 101 project outwardly beyond the vertical plane of the respecting facing board 25 disposed directly thereabove as best illustrated in FIGURE 12. The free end section 105 of each lifting arm 104 is disposed in the space defined by the web 86 of a respective vertical channel member 84 and the end edge 87 of the T-shaped member center leg 79 adjacent thereto, as best shown in FIGURE 11. As pointed out hereinbefore the ends of the horizontally extending top plates 88 of each counterweight and rail assembly 77 project beyond the web portion 86 of the channel members 84 associated therewith.

Consequently, the lowermost edge surfaces 105 of the top plates 88 at the end portions thereof are engageable with the free end sections 105 of the lifting carriage arms 104 during vertical movement of the stage assembly 23 from its lowered position, as illustrated in FIGURE 8, to its elevated positioned, as shown in FIGURE 4.

From the foregoing, it is believed the operation of the invention is obvious. However, the sequential steps involved to utilize the invention will be specifically described in detail to clearly point out the novel cooperation between all the various components of the invention. Assuming that a theatrical production is to be presented for viewing by an audience disposed on or above the level of the main floor 11 and which theatrical production involves a multitude of acts or scenes and each act or scene, in turn, involves the use of different scenery or other stage props. Prior to the start of the performance, the stage assembly 23 is in its lowered position, as shown in FIGURE 2, and out of the view of the audience. The guard rail frame 65 is in its fully raised position and thus, serves to prevent anyone from inadvertently falling into the opening 12 in the floor 11. When in this position, the guide tracks 52 carried by the stage assembly 23 are substantially in horizontal alignment with both of the guide tracks 49 fixed to the lower floor 13, as illustrated in FIGURE 7. When the stage assembly 23 is in this position, either one of the stage settings 38, 39 is movable from a wing position to the position wherein it is substantially centered and rests upon the stage assembly 23. Assuming that the stage setting 39 has the scenery thereon necessary for presenting the first act of the theatrical performance, it is rolled and positioned on the stage assembly 23 as shown in FIGURE 2. The shank portions 58 of the pins 51 of the interlock and mechanical lock means 57 are then inserted into each pair of vertically aligned sleeves 60, 61 to prevent shifting of the stage setting 39 and the stage assembly 23 and to partially complete the electrical circuit means of the control apparatus for the elevating and lowering means 26. It will be noted that the counterweight and rail assembly 77 is in its lowermost position with the lowermost plates 107 thereof abutting the rubber pads carried by the crossmembers 81. It will also be noted that the lifting arms 104 are at their lowermost positions, as shown in FIGURE 8 and the cable hitch 92 is in abutting engagement with the rubber pads 93. The weight of the guard rail frame 65 is counterbalanced by the counterweight frames 83 and the counterweights 90 reacting through the cable hitches 92 and cables 96 and consequently, the guard rail frame 65 is in its elevated position.

In order to elevate the stage assembly 23 and the stage setting 39 (and the performers as well), the elevating and lowering means 26 are actuated causing the rams 27 to extend from the cylinders 28. Obviously, as the stage assembly 23 travels vertically upwardly, the lifting arms 104 also move vertically. The guard rail frame 65 remains in its elevated position since the counterweight frames 83 are still resting on the fixed cross members 81. However, once the stage assembly 23 has travelled sufficiently to move the free end sections 105 into engagement with the upper plates 88 of the counterweight frames 83, the guard rail frame 65 commences to lower immediately. The guard rail frame 65 descends under its own weight simply because the lifting carriages 101 are now elevating the counterweight frames 83 and, in effect, eliminate the counterbalancing effect of the counterbalancing frames 83 and the counterweights 90 on the cable hitches 92. The guard rail frame 65 continues to descend in unison with the raising of the stage assembly 23 until four ledges 112 fixed to the walls of the recesses 33 and 34 are respectively engaged by four abutments 113, Each abutment 113 is adjustably mounted in and at the lowermost end of a respective frame 69 whereby the distance the abutments 113 depend below the frames 69 may be varied and such distances are preferably adjusted so that all of the abutments 113 engage the ledges 112 substantially simultaneously and at the movement of such engagement the guard rail cap 68 is simultaneously in the position shown in FIGURE 4 where it is in engagement with the 'edge surface of the floor 11 encircling the opening 12. The stage assembly 23 is not fully elevated at this point in the operation and, therefore, continued elevation of the stage assembly 23 to its fully elevated position, illustrated in FIG- URE 4, causes the counterweight frames 83 to move vertically with respect to the cable hitches 92 which are now stationary. When the stage assembly 23 is lowered from its fully elevated position to its lowered position, the sequence of the operational steps described above are reversed. At the commencement of the lowering operation, the stage assembly 23 descends independently of the stationary guard rail frame 65 until the lower edge surfaces 106 of the counterweight frame plates 88 are lowered into engagement with the rubber pads 93 carried by the uppermost surfaces of the cable hitches 92. The pads 93 serve to cushion the engagement action. Thereafter, as the stage assembly 23 continues to be lowered, the weight of the counterweights 90 and counterweight frames 83 is impressed upon the cable hitches 92 and thus the cables 96 to effect vertical upward movement of the guard rail frame 65. The guard rail frame 65 continues to elevate simultaneously with the lowering of the stage assembly 23 until the counterweight frames 83 are in their lowermost positions with the lower plates 107 thereof in abutting engagement with the rubber pads Q5. The pads 95 cushion the engagement of the lower plates 107 with the stationary cross members 81. Continued lowering of the stage assembly 23 to its fully lowered position as illustrated in FIGURE 8 is accomplished without any further movement of the guard rail frame 65 since the guard rail frame 65 is in its fully elevated position when the counterweight frames 83 are resting on the cross members 81.

To condition the stage assembly 23 for the next act if such act requires a change of scenery, the pins 57 are removed and the unlocked stage setting 39 is moved horizontally off of the stage assembly 23 to its stored position and the stage setting 38 which has the scenery for the next act preassembled or mounted thereon may be quickly moved horizontally from the other direction and centered on the stage assembly 23 and thereafter locked thereto by means of the pins 57. The stage assembly 23 is thereafter elevated with the stage setting 38 in the same manner and involving the same operational steps as described in relation to the stage setting 39. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that scenery may be changed with a minimum of effort and continuity of the theatrical performance is substantially unbroken.

While the building structure 111 is highly suitable for presenting dramatic and other theatrical productions involving performers, as pointed out hereinbefore, it also is adaptable for other uses. As an example, the guide strips 53 may be removed and the aforementioneed short pins inserted in the sleeves 61 in lieu of the normal locking pins 57 with the shanks of such short pins engaging and depressing the plungers 62 and the heads 64 thereof substantially flush with the top surface 24 of the stage assembly 23. Fully raised, the top surface 24 will be substantially at the level of the floor 11 and appear as shown in FIGURE 3. Thus, the top surface 24 is free from obstructions or protuberances and may be readily used for social dancing or the like.

In order to equalize and uniformly distribute the lifting forces applied to guard rail frame 65 as it is being elevated and lowered four endless chains 108 are provided. Each chain 108 is trained over a respective sprocket 98 fastened to one of the shafts 99 to which is also secured a respective one of the sheaves 97. Each chain 108 is also in meshing engagement with a respective torque tube 111. Each chain 103 is also preferably secured to a respective one of the plates 70 by any suitable means. As best illustrated in FIGURE 5, there are two torque tubes 111 and each end of each torque tube 111 is provided with a sprocket iii-9. The torque tubes 111 are rotatably supported as shown in FIGURE 13. From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the raising and lowering operation of the guard rail frame 65, through the interaction of the equalizer chains 108, torque tubes 111, and sprockets 98 and 109, is rendered smooth and the possibility of the same jamming by being unduly cocked or tilted is mitigated considerably.

The embodiment of the invention chosen for the purposes of description and illustration herein is that preferred for achieving the objects of the invention and developing the utility thereof in the most desirable manner, due regard being had to existing factors of economy, simplicity of design and construction, and the improvements sought to be effected. It will be appreciated therefore, that the particular structural and functional aspects emphasized herein are not intended to exclude but rather to suggest other adaptations and modifications of the invention as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A building structure of the character described having a main floor provided with a substantially rectangular opening therethrough and a lower floor vertically spaced below said main floor, comprising, in combination with said floors, a stage assembly having a relatively flat, horizontal top surface; means for moving said stage assembly vertically between a raised position wherein said top surface is substantially at the level of said main floor and a lowered position wherein said top surface is substantially at the level of said lower floor; and a guard rail frame means disposed at the edge portion of said main floor defining said opening therethrough; said guard rail frame means including two pairs of vertically disposed, spaced and parallel wall means, said pairs of wall means being rigidly connected together; means for moving said guard rail frame means between a lowered, retracted po sition wherein it is disposed substantially below the level of said main floor and a raised extended position wherein it extends vertically upwardly from the level of said main floor; and means operatively interconnecting said means for moving said stage assembly vertically and said means for moving said guard rail frame means whereby said guard rail frame means moves to its lowered, retracted position from its raised, extended position during movement of said stage assembly from its lowered position to its raised position and said guard rail frame means moves to its raised, extended position during movement of said stage assembly to its lowered position from its raised position.

2. A building structure as set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of stage settings; and means for selectively positioning each of said stage settings on said stage assembly for vertical movement therewith.

3. A building structure as set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of stage settings; means for selectively moving each of said stage settings between a stored position on said lower floor and a mounted position wherein it is substantially centered upon said top surface of said stage assembly.

4. A building structure as set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of stage settings; roller supporting means for said stage settings; horizontally spaced and aligned first track means fixed to said lower floor cooperable with said roller supporting means for guiding said stage settings for horizontal, substantially rectilinear movement; second track means carried by said top surface of said stage assembly, said second track means being substantially in alignment with and extending between respective ends of said first track means when said stage assembly is in its lowered position whereby each of said stage settings is selectively movable between a stored position on said lower floor and a mounted position wherein it is substantially centered upon said top surface of said stage assembly.

5. A building structure as set forth in claim 4 further including quick releasable lock means for securing each of said stage settings in its mounted position on said stage assembly and preventing relative horizontal movement therebetween.

6. A building structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for moving said guard rail frame means between a lowered retracted position and a raised extended position includes a vertically slidable weight means, said weight means being slidable between a lower position and a raised position, and cable means operatively connected to said guard rail frame means and said weight means, said weight means exerting a force on said guard rail frame means tending to move said guard rail frame means toward its raised, extended position, said guard rail frame means being in its raised, extended position when said weight means is in its lower portion.

7. A building structure as set forth in claim 6, wherein said weight means includes a generally rectangular frame and a plurality of counterweights mounted one upon the other in said frame, the weight of said weight means exceeding the weight of said guard rail frame means.

8. A building structure as set forth in claim 7, wherein said means operatively interconnecting said means for moving said stage assembly and said means for moving said guard rail frame means includes a lifting carriage secured to the underside of said stage assembly, said lifting carriage having a pair of horizontally spaced and parallel arms projecting outwardly beyond a side edge of said stage assembly, said arms operatively engaging said rectangular frame during movement of said stage assembly from its lowered position to its raised position to effect sliding movement of said rectangular frame from its lower position to its raised position.

9. A building structure as set forth in claim 8, further including a plurality of stage settings; means for selectively moving each of said stage settings between a stored position on said lower floor and a mounted position wherein it is substantially centered upon said top surface of said stage assembly.

10. A building structure as set forth in claim 8, further including a plurality of stage settings; roller supporting means for said stage settings; horizontally spaced and aligned first track means fixed to said lower floor cooperable with said roller supporting means for guiding said stage settings for horizontal, substantially rectilinear movement; second track means carried by said top surface of said stage assembly, said second track means being substantially in alignment with and extending between respective ends of said first track means when said stage assembly is in its lowered position whereby each of said stage settings is selectively movable between a stored position on said lower floor and a mounted position wherein it is substantially centered upon said top surface of said stage assembly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 883,197 3/1908 Giulietti 52 7 960,888 6/1910 Garnier 52 7 1,544,150 6/1925 Hasait 52-7 FOREIGN PATENTS 256,852 3/1927 Italy.

758,424 5/1967 Canada.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner. 

1. A BUILDING STRUCTURE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED HAVING A MAIN FLOOR PROVIDED WITH A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR OPENING THERETHROUGH AND A LOWER FLOOR VERTICALLY SPACED BELOW SAID MAIN FLOOR, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION WITH SAID FLOORS, A STAGE ASSEMBLY HAVING A RELATIVELY FLAT, HORIZONTAL TOP SURFACE; MEANS FOR MOVING SAID STAGE ASSEMBLY VERTICALLY BETWEEN A RAISED POSITION WHEREIN SAID TOP SURFACE IS SUBSTANTIALLY AT THE LEVEL OF SAID MAIN FLOOR AND A LOWERED POSITION WHEREIN SAID TOP SURFACE IS SUBSTANTIALLY A THE LEVEL OF SAID LOWER FLOOR; AND A GUARD RAIL FRAME MEANS DISPOSED AT THE EDGE PORTION OF SAID MAIN FLOOR DEFINING SAID OPENING THERETHROUGH; SAID GUARD RAIL FRAME MEANS INCLUDING TWO PAIRS OF VERTICALLY DISPOSED, SPACED AND PARALLEL WALL MEANS, SAID PAIRS OF WALL MEANS BEING RIGIDLY CONNECTED TOGETHER; MEANS FOR MOVING SAID GUARD RAIL FRAME MEANS BETWEEN A LOWERED, RETRACTED PO- 